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17-24 Nov 2001, University Theatre, The Arts Centre
In the 19th century Richard Wagner tried to support a German revolution or regeneration by going back to ancient myths in his musical dramas. His return to the native German roots can be compared with the present New Zealand return to its own native Maori myths and cultural roots.
In Footprints/Tapuwae these two 'returns' are juxtaposed in making an experimental, bicultural music theatre performance. Wagner's 'Ring of the Nibelung', which provides the material for the Pakeha side of the production, ends in the twilight of the old mythical world; in this production the Maori mythical elements lead to a rebirth of the Maori heritage and strength.
Footprints/Tapuwae was the inaugural event for Te Puna Toi and was presented alongside a conference and hui.
Footprints/Tapuwae was restaged by Free Theatre in 2015. See here. PublicityMaori meets Wagner
Christopher Moore, The Press, Wed 14 Nov 2001 Te Puna Toi performing arts initiative under way Chronicle, 29 Nov 2001 
ResearchEmma Johnston used Footprints/Tapuwae as material for her MA research Healing Māori Through Song and Dance?: Three Cases of Recent New Zealand Musical Theatre, University of Canterbury, 2007 (later published as a book)
"Here be Taniwha: performance research on the edge of the world" George Parker, Embodying Transformation, 2015 UC Theatre & Film Studies were tutored by Free Theatre artists in performances exploring Wagner's Ring Cycle. See here. |
Film of full performance 52 mins
Showreel 3 mins
Reviews...an exciting, adventurous and inventive musical drama.... We have come to expect different and sometimes experimental drama from the Free Theatre, but this production pushes boundaries further.... a show both spectacular and intimate at the same time.... The production was immensely satisfying, with high performance quality, but the sheer nerve of the idea was what really impressed. It's always a bit different at Free Theatre.... This is theatre you not so much view as experience. And it's quite an experience.... the experience is profoundly moving and the performance, a strong meld of music and drama, movement and stillness, rendered by a talented and absolutely committed ensemble, affecting. We need theatre outside the square to make us re-examine what it is in theatre that audiences and performers are striving for. If Falkenberg does anything, it's to throw this question into stark relief. Powerful and edgy, this creation gets you where you feel it. Two strong cultural statements are made in Tapuwae, and it has to be said that the Maori side is the more successfully realised. ...surreal and emotionally electric.... Themes from Ride of the Valkeries are explored and overtaken by the gutteral wailing of haka as the piece draws to an emotionally thrilling conclusion.... Not exactly the way he intended Ring of the Nieblung, but I'm sure Wagner would have approved. |
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